The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced that its full Minor League Player membership voted to approve a historic first collective bargaining agreement.
The agreement will run through the 2027 season, including significant pay increases and a new pay structure guaranteeing players will be paid all year. The deal will also include improvements in housing and transportation policies, health benefits and retirement benefits and a guarantee that the league will not contract Minor League affiliates during the term.
"The agreement represents a giant step forward in treating Minor League players as the elite professional athletes that they are," commented Tony Clark, MLBPA executive director. "It's a historic day for these players, their families and the entire player fraternity."
MLBPA also announced the creation of a group licensing programme and the return of players' right to profit from their name, image and likeness.
"Every past and present member of the MLBPA is proud today," added Clark. "This extraordinary group of players has been singularly determined, unified, educated and engaged in the best traditions of our fraternity. Their legacy will live on for decades."
The deal will be final upon formal ratification of MLB owners.
